Paint Operations Leader

HR GO Driving; Glasgow; On-site; GBP 57,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading aerospace manufacturing company in Glasgow is seeking a Paint Operations Leader to oversee the coating and finishing of high-spec technical components. You will lead a small team, ensuring quality and safety standards are met. The ideal candidate has proven experience in paint operations, strong hands-on capabilities, and leadership skills. This role offers a salary between £57,000 - £60,000 per annum, alongside opportunities for continuous improvement within the production environment.

Qualifications

• Experience in an industrial or aerospace paint operations environment is required.
• Previous leadership or supervisory experience in production teams is essential.
• Understanding of quality-critical manufacturing standards and specifications is necessary.

Responsibilities

• Lead and motivate the paint operations team while being hands-on.
• Plan and prioritize work to meet production and delivery requirements.
• Perform surface preparation, coating, and inspection activities.

Skills

Proven experience in paint operations

Strong hands-on painting and surface finishing capability

Good communication and leadership skills

Strong attention to detail

Education

Formal qualification or certification in coating or surface finishing

Job description

Paint Operations Leader

Job Reference: WPOpLead

Aerospace Glasgow, Glasgow £57000 - £60000 per annum Permanent

Our ideal candidate for Operations Leader will lead and actively participate in the coating and finishing of high‑specification technical components supplied to Tier 1 OEM customers. Accountable for daily paint operations, quality, safety, delivery, and continuous improvement within the paint function.

Operational Leadership

• Lead, supervise, and motivate a small paint operations team, remaining hands‑on in daily activities
• Plan and prioritise work to meet production schedules and customer delivery requirements
• Ensure paint processes are executed consistently to specification and documented standards

Hands‑On Paint Operations

• Actively perform surface preparation, masking, coating, curing, and inspection activities as required
• Set up, operate, and maintain paint equipment, booths, and curing ovens
• Troubleshoot paint defects and process issues, implementing corrective actions

Quality & Compliance

• Ensure all work meets internal quality standards and customer specifications expected by Tier 1 OEMs
• Maintain process control documentation, work instructions, and inspection records
• Support internal and external audits and ensure compliance with relevant industry and regulatory requirements

Health, Safety & Environment

• Enforce safe working practices and ensure compliance with HSE requirements
• Manage COSHH, paint storage, waste handling, and environmental controls within the paint area

Continuous Improvement

• Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, quality, cost, and flow within paint operations
• Support lean manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives

  Essential

  • Proven experience in a paint operations environment (industrial, aerospace, automotive, or similar high‑spec manufacturing)
  • Strong hands‑on painting and surface finishing capability
  • Previous experience leading or supervising a small production team
  • Understanding of quality‑critical manufacturing and customer specifications
  • Strong attention to detail and pride in workmanship

  Desirable

  • Experience working with Tier 1 OEM customers or within regulated manufacturing environments
  • Knowledge of lean manufacturing or continuous improvement methodologies
  • Experience with audits and quality management systems

  Formal qualification or certification in coating, surface finishing, or manufacturing supervision

  Good communication and leadership skills

  Assist in training and developing team members to improve capability and resilience

  Contact us:

  • Email: [e-mail]
  • Call: 01233 722 401